Purley Bury Tennis Clubhttp://purleyburytennisclub.net
PBTC founded in 1911Mon, 13 Aug 2018 07:47:10 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8YOUR PURLEY BURY NEWSLETTER – July 2018http://purleyburytennisclub.net/2018/07/30/your-purley-bury-newsletter-july-2018/
Mon, 30 Jul 2018 18:23:38 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=632Club Tournaments Junior Tournament 2018 We had nearly 40 juniors compete on finals day this year from our 6U event to our 18U event. There was some great tennis played and the future for Purley Bury is looking good. Thanks to all the parents who came along and supported the event and to those juniors […]

We had nearly 40 juniors compete on finals day this year from our 6U event to our 18U event. There was some great tennis played and the future for Purley Bury is looking good. Thanks to all the parents who came along and supported the event and to those juniors that were able to help score. For the first time ever our Boys 18U and Girls 18U played their match on senior finals day which was a nice addition. Photos are on our FB page.

Senior Tournament 2018

We had good weather again on Finals weekend and despite being an extremely long day it was a fantastic day with some great tennis. Many matches were long and closely contested and were all filled with drama, including injuries and cramp – a prelude to Wimbledon. The results are outlined below. Photos are on our website.

To Mark Love and his support team for a sensational Junior Tournament and Finals Day on 7th July.

To Amy Love, for a magnificent Senior Finals Day on 8th July, a massive task managed brilliantly.

To Chiara, for running ‘The Italian Quiz Night’, which proved a great success on the Saturday evening between the Finals Days!

To Robbie, for all his hard work in advance of the tournament weekend including ordering and collecting stock, cashing up and stock taking, running the bar for the quiz, as well as for all his incredible efforts arranging and being at the club for all the England World Cup matches.

To all of the volunteers who kindly gave up their time to get the courts and the grounds in shape for the Finals events including, but not limited to, Katherine Willis, Debra Harper-Cross, Jesus Barmejo, Sandra and Michael Vaughan, Lesley, Chris Cooke, Jeff Goveia, Carolyn and Craig, Dave Winton, Martin, Chris ‘Power Tools’ Mears, Sarah Wilson and John Davey.

To all the volunteers, and please excuse me if your name hasn’t reached me as I write, on both Finals Days – Clive, Kelly, Peter and Val, Stuart, Sarah, Steph, Ryan, Dave Winton and everyone who helped behind the bar, Michael for ordering, collecting, cooking and roasting himself over the barbecue, all the many cake makers and sellers, Nicki England for her impromptu Cash Raffle, all the umpires and everyone that put up flags and bunting to make the club fun for the weekend and, of course, all of you that came along and enjoyed this great weekend, without all of you, the club would be very ordinary! Thank you each and every one of you for your help and support.

Volunteer thanks

Senior session helpers on 28th June

Grateful thanks to Phil Mills and Mike Anthony for clearing hedge cuttings from the bank, and to Colin for putting up new smoke detectors and a light on Thursday after senior tennis. Every bit of contribution helps enormously, thank you.

Spring clean working party – 30th June

A huge thank you to Carolyn, Craig for painting the wall supports on the Croquet Club side, Jeff for helping with the hedge cuttings clearance and for taking away all the rubbish from the working party weekends (a huge job! Thanks Jeff), Sarah (gardening), Dave Winton (hedge cutting), Michael V (various duties) and Lesley, who helped on 24th June with gardening. All of these members made tremendous contribution to improve the look of the club for finals day, thank you very much for your support.

Wendy Webb Trophy

The Wendy Webb Trophy recognises voluntary contribution by a Junior Member of Purley Bury Tennis Club in support of all club endeavours, working parties, junior and disabled tennis development, and a positive, helpful attitude regarding all club activities. The Trophy was given to the Club by Graham Webb in memory of his late wife, Wendy, who was a member for many years.

This years nomination was the toughest yet due to the introduction of our disability tennis sessions whereby a number of juniors have turned up week in, week out to help and have all done a fantastic job. They have all conducted themselves in a professional way and all worked extremely hard.

Ryan Harper-Bermejo, who was last years winner, has done a great job for us at the Summer fairs that we have taken part in, including the Gruffy fair, Atwood school fair and HPAK school fair, plus helping out on a Saturday morning and Friday junior night. A very close 2nd in the opinion of the Committee.

This year the winner of the Wendy Webb Trophy is Anna Wilson, who has helped out every Friday at the disability tennis session (she also provides chicken nuggets and chips each week for those attending!). Anna has helped out in 2 schools at the after school tennis sessions at both Regina Coeli and Gresham as well as each Friday at Junior night, after school term time sessions when required and lastly she has been a regular at the Holiday Tennis Camps. She not only turns up on time each week, she goes beyond this and encourages those younger players who may be struggling to get to grips with their tennis skills. Recently she has turned out for the ladies teams and represented Purley Bury in the 18U Team Tennis competition. Anna promotes the club when she is out and about and is a very worthy winner.

Well done, Anna, congratulations on winning the Wendy Webb Trophy in 2018!

The date has been set for this popular event and we are now taking deposits in order for you to secure your table. Tables will be tables of 8 and we will require a £5 deposit per person for you to secure your table. The cost for the dinner and dance will be £40 per person to include – Welcome drink on arrival, 3 course meal, disco and plenty of dancing. To book your table please email Amy at amyfarrin@hotmail.com ASAP with the names of the people sitting on your table. The deposit can be paid in cash to Amy at the club. Individuals/couples will be able to book themselves as well if they wish and we will find a table for you.

Bar News

We stock a wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the tennis club bar. We are not tied to any supplier for our drinks so are free to stock any items. If you’d like us to add your favourite refreshment to our bar offering, get in touch with Robbie Watt.

Watering

Once you have ordered your favourite tipple from Robbie, spare a few minutes for our thirsty hanging baskets and flowerbeds. They need frequent watering in the hot weather so please water them when you can.

]]>DINNER DANCE 2018 – Saturday 15th September 2018 – PURLEY DOWNS GOLF CLUBhttp://purleyburytennisclub.net/2018/07/30/dinner-dance-2018-saturday-15th-september-2018-purley-downs-golf-club/
Mon, 30 Jul 2018 17:26:01 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=629The date has been set for this popular event and we are now taking deposits in order for you to secure your table. Tables will be tables of 8 and we will require a £5 deposit per person for you to secure your table. The cost for the dinner and dance will be £40 per […]

]]>The date has been set for this popular event and we are now taking deposits in order for you to secure your table. Tables will be tables of 8 and we will require a £5 deposit per person for you to secure your table. The cost for the dinner and dance will be £40 per person to include – Welcome drink on arrival, 3 course meal, disco and plenty of dancing. To book your table please email Amy at amyfarrin@hotmail.com ASAP with the names of the people sitting on your table. The deposit can be paid in cash to Amy at the club. Individuals/couples will be able to book themselves as well if they wish and we will find a table for you.

]]>Senior Tournament Report 2018http://purleyburytennisclub.net/2018/07/30/senior-tournament-report-2018/
Mon, 30 Jul 2018 17:25:48 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=606We had good weather again on Finals weekend and despite being an extremely long day it was a great day. Many matches were closely contested and were all filled with drama, some with injuries and some good tennis. The results are outlined below. Thanks to all participants’ who took part and of course to the volunteers […]

]]>We had good weather again on Finals weekend and despite being an extremely long day it was a great day. Many matches were closely contested and were all filled with drama, some with injuries and some good tennis. The results are outlined below. Thanks to all participants’ who took part and of course to the volunteers who helped prepare the club in advance and to those who helped on the day to run the bar, BBQ, umpire and make delicious cakes.

]]>Tennis for a Tenner is finished for 2018http://purleyburytennisclub.net/2018/06/07/tennis-for-a-tenner-is-finished-for-2018/
Thu, 07 Jun 2018 17:12:36 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=596The Tennis for a Tenner promotion is finished for 2018 and proved very successful. Thanks to those that took part and sampled Purley Bury Tennis Club, and welcome to those of you that joined the club from 1st May! New potential members are welcome to come along and take a look around the club and […]

]]>The Tennis for a Tenner promotion is finished for 2018 and proved very successful. Thanks to those that took part and sampled Purley Bury Tennis Club, and welcome to those of you that joined the club from 1st May!

New potential members are welcome to come along and take a look around the club and its facilities. Please email mail@purleyburytennisclub.net for details.

]]>Working party volunteer groupshttp://purleyburytennisclub.net/2018/06/07/working-party-volunteer-groups/
Thu, 07 Jun 2018 17:12:07 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=594Please come along to support our volunteer working groups to prepare the club and the grounds for the Tournament Finals Weekend! We have four opportunities to help: Saturday morning 9am – 1 pm, 23rd June Sunday afternoon after Club Play 12 – 3pm, 24th June Saturday morning 9am – 1 pm, 30th June Sunday afternoon after Club […]

]]>Your Purley Bury Tennis Newsletter – March 2018http://purleyburytennisclub.net/2018/03/12/purley-bury-tennis-newsletter-march-2018/
Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:11:58 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=558Waitrose shoppers, we need your help! If you shop at Waitrose, please note that Purley Bury Tennis Club is one of the three Community Support token boxes available as a choice at the Sanderstead branch – please put your tokens in our box to help the club! Thank you. Replacement Practice Wall Our new wall panels […]

If you shop at Waitrose, please note that Purley Bury Tennis Club is one of the three Community Support token boxes available as a choice at the Sanderstead branch – please put your tokens in our box to help the club! Thank you.

Replacement Practice Wall

Our new wall panels will be delivered week commencing 26th March. Subject to delivery, the new wall panels will need to be put up between 28th March and 1st April and we will be looking for volunteers to help. Information will be circulated once the delivery is confirmed.

Huge thanks to Thursday morning senior players Colin, Mike Anthony, Geoff, Roger, John Brotherhood, and Michael along with Mark Love who, between them, removed the old panels, wire brushed and painted the rails ready for the new wall, and repaired the leaking tap in the gents and the burst pipe in the top room, including taking up the floor covering and mopping it out. Great job everyone, many thanks.

TENNIS

Membership Renewals for 2018/19

Subscription renewals are due 30th April – notifications will be sent out end of March .

Tennis for a Tenner

Don’t forget to tell any of your friends who might want to join from now until the end of April 2018 that full membership is available for only £10 – they will be able to enjoy all club activities including club sessions, rusty rackets and weekend afternoons.

The fundraisers are doing great! A huge number of you have generously donated to individuals for their efforts, and we thank you all. Those of you that have not yet donated but wish to help reach our objectives – new LED’s, new courts, and professional coaching for the less able – can do so using the website details below, or you will find other MyDonate fundraiser details on the Purley Bury Tennis Club website (www.purleyburytennisclub.net). The websites will not close until 4th April, so there is plenty of time to help individuals to reach their targets.

This can be done very easily when you make your will, or if you already have one, by adding a codacil.

There are two types of bequest:

Specific amounts

A residuary bequest, which is a percentage of your estate after taxes, debts and any specific amounts have been paid

In either case, your donation will be very much appreciated and help ensure the future of the club for the next generation

Bon voyage

Team and long term social member, Misaki Kumon, is returning to Japan in April as her husband has retired. We would like to wish them all the very best and a most enjoyable retirement in her home country. Good luck to you both! To wish her bon voyage, everybody that has known and played with Misaki is invited to wish her all the best in the bar after ladies match practice coaching, which will take place on Wednesday, 21st March around 8.30pm. Ladies, why not sign up for coaching and enjoy the farewell afterwards?

Hiring the Club House

Don’t forget our licensed club house is available for evening hire most weekends throughout 2018 at a very reasonable rate. Family and friends are most welcome to enquire about availability as well.

]]>TENNIS MEMBERSHIP FOR A TENNER FROM 1st MARCH 2018http://purleyburytennisclub.net/2018/03/07/tennis-membership-tenner-1st-march-2018/
Wed, 07 Mar 2018 21:15:32 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=553TENNIS MEMBERSHIP FOR A TENNER FROM 1st MARCH 2018 AT PURLEY BURY LTC (Regional Club of the Year 2016) Full access to all club facilities & use of courts Access to all club sessions to include: Monday & Thursday rota Sessions, Mens match practise, Ladies match practise, Mixed match practise, Saturday Singles, Ladies midweek daytime […]

]]>Welcome to our new sponsors – Alphaglaze (Croydon)http://purleyburytennisclub.net/2018/02/19/welcome-new-sponsors-alphaglaze-croydon/
Mon, 19 Feb 2018 17:22:08 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=547Purley Bury Tennis club are very pleased to be sponsored by Alphaglaze (Croydon), a reputable local business. Alphaglaze (Croydon) Ltd is a well-established Double Glazing company. Boasting over Twenty Years of experience, they are well practised in the Installation of most Double Glazed Doors, Windows, Porches, Conservatories, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering. A number of members have used Alphaglaze […]

]]>Purley Bury Tennis club are very pleased to be sponsored by Alphaglaze (Croydon), a reputable local business.

Alphaglaze (Croydon) Ltd is a well-established Double Glazing company. Boasting over Twenty Years of experience, they are well practised in the Installation of most Double Glazed Doors, Windows, Porches, Conservatories, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering.

A number of members have used Alphaglaze (Croydon) in the past. If you are looking for new windows, please use the link on the home page, or ring 020 8651 4424.

If you know of a local business or professional service that might be interested in sponsoring Purley Bury Tennis Club, please contact Michael Vaughan.

]]>Your Purley Bury Newsletter – December 2017 – Let’s Celebratehttp://purleyburytennisclub.net/2017/12/10/purley-bury-newsletter-december-2017-lets-celebrate/
Sun, 10 Dec 2017 17:25:33 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=519Not only is it Xmas, but we are now officially a charity, so why not join in the festive events at the club to celebrate: Friday 15th December – Junior Christmas Party from 5pm. Fun tennis 5pm-5.45pm weather permitting and party from 5.45pm-7pm. Lots of fun games and prizes – Cost £5 Thursday 21st December – Janet and Chere’s […]

31st December New Year’s Eve Party Sunday – all members and their friends are invited. The bar will be open from 8.30 with music and dancing with snacks available. Please let Sarah Wilson know if you will be attending on sarahcrid@talktalk.net

Then clear your head and start the tennis year by joining in our New Year’s Day Tennis Tournament and Barbecue

1st January 2018 – Tennis Tournament 11.00 am and family session.

There will be a tennis tournament and barbecue on Monday, 1st January, for all full and restricted members. 20 places are available, please sign up on the notice board in the bar. Cost will be just £9 per player and includes new balls, a burger or a hot dog or a drink from the bar (and a prize for the winning man and the winning lady). When paying at the bar, please enter you name and your order on the sheet provided. The bar will be open, children are welcome – it’s a great opportunity to get out with the family before the new working year begins.

The sheets are on the notice board next to the bar to put your name up to win the opportunity to play in the 24 hour marathon with Danny Sapsford and Jocelyn Rae. Please sign up as soon as you can, details are on the sheets – the deadline for signing up is the 21st December!

The first prize in each category is the chance to play on 17th February, but I am very pleased to announce that Head Coach, Mark Love, has donated a tremendous second prize in each category.

Team Players – A 1 hour drill session with Head Coach Mark Love

Parent and Child – A 1 hour lesson with coaches Steph / Danielle

Rota players – A 1 hour doubles session with Mark and one of the other coaches

Singles – A 1 hour individual lesson with Head Coach Mark Love

The raffle draw will take place on Thursday, 21st December at 10pm (after rota play finishes at 9.30pm). Huge thanks for the prizes, Mark, a great additional incentive to buy a ticket.

Sky Dive fundraiser 28th February 2018

All Sky Divers have to register their name, mobile number and email address on the sheet on the Notice Board in the bar by 21st December.

Bar and Social

Quiz night Saturday 2nd December

Yet another great quiz was hosted by Pam Hart on Saturday 2nd of December. We are very grateful for the huge amount of time and effort Pam puts into researching original and interesting questions for each quiz and this last quiz was no exception. It was a close result though with ‘Can you repeat that please” winning by just 1 point over “ The Young Ones”. We are grateful to Robbie for running the bar later in the evening, particularly as it was quite busy, thanks for your help, Robbie.

Anyway a point to you if you know the answer to this question… What colour is iggle – piggle? Answer can be found at the end of the newsletter.

Future events

There is always room for fresh ideas regarding the bar and its use and Ivan would be very happy to hear from anyone with some good suggestions ibates12312@gmail.com.

Private Parties

It’s that time of the year when parties are popular – Ivan would be very pleased if you would all help publicise the fact that we are a reasonably priced venue for parties in terms of hiring fee and drinks prices. He is very keen to expand the bookings for next year too, so if you have any venue requirements coming up in the New Year, please let Ivan know.

Bar Committee

Ivan is actively seeking a few members to set up a Bar Committee to get new ideas on décor, presentation, and facilities. The Bar Committee will meet regularly to address any issues, take on board suggestions and make improvements generally. Please contact Ivan personally to let him know if you would like to represent those that attend from the rota sessions, the teams, or our Friday Nighters. He is looking forward to hearing from you and I will announce those that offer to help in the January Newsletter.

The voluntary ethos has been well accepted now with many people helping on the nights that we are open. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you that have pulled pints during the year, particularly those that have joined us in the last six months, the bar just wouldn’t work without your contribution. Thank you. We can always do with more volunteers to spread the load. Please contact Ivan to be trained if you would like to help.

Date for your diary

The next AGM will be held in the Club House at 2000hrs on Wednesday 21 February 2018

Quiz question answer

Blue

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from YOUR PURLEY BURY TENNIS CLUB COMMITTEE

]]>Your Purley Bury Newsletter – October 2017http://purleyburytennisclub.net/2017/10/23/purley-bury-newsletter-october-2017/
Mon, 23 Oct 2017 07:09:18 +0000http://purleyburytennisclub.net/?p=505YOUR PURLEY BURY NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2017 PBTC Extraordinary General Meeting Monday 11 September 2017 An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members at Purley Bury Tennis Club was held at 2100hrs on Monday 11 September 2017 to consider proposals to change the club’s formal status from Unincorporated to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The meeting […]

An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members at Purley Bury Tennis Club was held at 2100hrs on Monday 11 September 2017 to consider proposals to change the club’s formal status from Unincorporated to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The meeting was attended by 28 senior members including the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer and was therefore quorate. After a presentation and some discussion a vote was taken on the proposal which was passed unanimously 28-0. The presentation slides, the draft constitution and the minutes can be found on our website at http://purleyburytennisclub.net/2017/10/22/pbtc-extraordinary-general-meeting-monday-11-september-2017/

Committee Roles

John Davey plans to stand down as Secretary at the AGM next year. This is an important role and we need to find another Club Member to take it on. Please contact John or Michael Vaughan if you are interested. Briefly the role description is flexible dependent on the skills and interests of the incumbent, but it will include:

Coordinating the production and implementation of the PBTC Business and Development Plan

New Kids On The Block!

Congratulations to Joint Club Captain and 1st team player Christopher Kennedy and his wife, ladies 1st team player Catherine, on the birth of their new baby boy, Axel Byron, at the end of September, and to Club Head Coach Mark Love and his wife, Joint Club Captain and 1st team ladies captain Amy, on the birth of their new baby boy, Charlie Samuel, on 10th October. These two babies have the tennis credentials to match Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s son! With less than a fortnight between their arrivals, it would be interesting to know if they’ll one day be the men’s doubles champions at Purley Bury…… or might Wimbledon 2037 be in their sights? Chris, Catherine, Mark and Amy, all the very best to you all with your extended families – Junior Tot membership forms are on the way in the post.

Tandridge Men’s Doubles Tournament Final result

The Committee, and I am sure their fellow team mates and club members, wish to congratulate our Men’s Captain / Joint Club Captain Chris Kennedy, and our former Men’s Captain / Joint Club Captain Ali Horsford, on a great win in the final of the Tandridge Men’s Doubles Tournament on 24th September. Chris and Ali put in a clinical performance with no breaks of serve to take the honours. Well done from all of us!

The I PLAY 30 sessions at the club are going very well. Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers that have helped out over the past 4 weeks to make these sessions enjoyable for those attending. Without these volunteers these sessions would not have been possible. The sessions take place on a Friday evening from 6.30pm-7.30pm where we have attracted nearly 25 players so far and also on a Thursday lunchtime from 1pm-2pm where we have had 3 players attending but have just secured a link with Sunnydown School in Caterham who will be bringing 17 children. Currently, I have 3 volunteers for a Thursday and really could do with more, so if you are able to spare an hour on a Thursday and able to support this project please email me at mdlcoaching@hotmail.com

We are breaking for Half term 23rd-27th but back the following week.

The sessions are extremely rewarding and the players who have attended have exceeded all my expectations and taught me a great deal already about people and families living with a disability. It has really made me appreciate how lucky most of us are. At the same time it has been so rewarding to introduce tennis to this many people in a short space of time and we are hopeful for this project to continue indefinitely but of course will need volunteers for this to be possible.

Halloween Party – Friday 20th October

Last Friday saw the junior Halloween party take place from 5pm-7pm at the club. There were over 35 children in attendance and double the amount of parents. Steph and her team did an amazing job and we are looking forward to the next event which will be the junior Christmas party.

Holiday Tennis

Sessions will be taking place in the mornings for all juniors aged 4yrs-11yrs in the mornings from 9.30-12.30 between Monday 23rd – Friday 27th October. There will also be Teen Tennis sessions in the afternoon on Tuesday and Thursday from 1.30pm-4.30pm. On Friday 27th between 1pm-5pm all courts will be in use for a LTA tennis tournament being run by Andy Ross.

Winter Promotion

Look out for our winter coaching promotion for both adults and juniors for those that are brave enough to learn tennis in November / December. At least it will be drier although maybe a bit chilly.

The junior coaching programme continues to grow and we are looking to expand it even more as we have secured a few more local schools and will be offering some FREE tennis sessions over the next few months. Thanks to all those parents who have supported us over the year and to help us promote tennis at PBLTC.

Health and Safety at the courts

As Autumn turns to Winter, it is important to assess the courts before play commences, particularly if you are a match captain playing league matches against visiting teams. The Committee takes the condition of the courts very seriously, and ensures that all of the courts are cleaned annually. Risk assessments are carried out annually, and members are also requested to keep the courts clear of leaves and debris at all times. There are Health and Safety notices prominently displayed on the court gates, and in the tea room near the ball cupboard. Please read these notices and understand the club’s position, and your own personal responsibility, with regard to liability issues before you play. If the home captain considers the courts to be dangerous or unplayable for any reason, it is his/her responsibility to cancel play at that time. If the captain chooses to play despite he/she, or a member of the home team, considering the courts to be dangerous, the captain takes on the liability for potential injury or claims. Please be aware, as an unincorporated members club, Purley Bury Tennis Club is not a legal entity and therefore cannot be sued – it would be the members, individually or collectively, that would be held liable. It is also important to note that if home players regard the courts as dangerous, announcing that during a match would almost certainly nullify our insurance. Be sensible, if you feel the courts are unsafe due to being wet or icy, cancel the match or stop play if conditions worsen – if you decide to play, you have deemed the courts to be safe.

Maintenance update

The shower in the disabled toilet has at last been fixed and is now working as it should. Monday night rota player Huw Griffiths kindly had his electrician take a look at it and he identified that the pull switch was defective. This has now been replaced by Colin Benson, a Thursday morning senior member. Many thanks Huw and Colin, your help is very much appreciated. I can tick that one off the list!

I don’t beLEAVE it!

It’s that time of the year again!

There has been a steady stream of leaves falling from the lime trees behind the club house, helped by the recent gusty conditions. We experience this every year, but it doesn’t last long and just needs a collective effort to clear the leaves until the last ones are off the trees.

Many of you have been playing matches and rota sessions for some time and a very small number of you are kind enough – in the interests of all players – to make a contribution to clear the courts of leaves. However, a much greater number turn up every week to play and expect the courts to be clear of leaves and playable without ever considering helping.

There are two ways that you can help:

Sweep up the leaves (or use the blower in the shed if you know how to, the key to the shed is in the ball cupboard on a brown leather fob) from the courts and / or the veranda, patio, pathways or car park – and bag them up. The black bags are in the tea room under the ball cupboard. Please do not waste your time just sweeping them up and leaving them in piles as they will just blow around again, so your efforts will be wasted.

If you see black sacks by the bin area, take them to your local dump, compost them at home, or put them in your garden waste wheelie bin. The skip that we have from Croydon Council must not be used for garden waste, so all the bags have to go to recycling. Please empty the bags, bring them back and put them back in the tea room cupboard for others to use.

You all know by now that we depend on the efforts of volunteers for the club to function. If you play in any matches or rota sessions at this time of the year, every one of you should play a part in this annual clear up – it takes a few minutes and is not backbreaking work. Finally, thanks to those of you that pitch in and help, the club will be better for your efforts.

In closing, be advised I have quotes for reducing the trees by 30% in an effort to reduce this annual task. The cost would be around £3,360……. If anybody wishes to organise fund raising events, please feel free to set something up! In the meantime I am working on Surrey LTA to see if we can get a grant to offset this cost.

Working Party report, Saturday, 23rd September (see photos below)

Plenty of jobs got done on Saturday, 23rd September by an enthusiastic and very helpful team of volunteers led by Dave Winton. Dave cut the top hedge, assisted by Donna and Val. Chris ‘Power Tools’ Watts attacked the overgrown foliage behind the top buildings and helped cut the hedge, Michael took down the dangerous wire fence and replaced it with new. Huw dug out the weed bed adjacent to the fence at the front and replaced it with rammed asphalt to stop the weeds growing back. Ivan had a good clear out behind the bar, assisted by Chris Cooke. Robbie and Ivan helped later on with the new fence. Sandra cleaned the windows in the club house, and provided the lunchtime refreshments. Val and Huw cleared the cuttings and the old wire to the dump at the end of the shift. The whole team stayed for refreshments at lunchtime.

Lesley couldn’t help on Saturday as she was playing in a match, but kindly weeded the front flower bed on Sunday – thanks for your support, Lesley.

The committee would like to thank all of the volunteers that took part in the Working Party for their considerable help improving the look of the club and maintaining the buildings and grounds in line with our lease obligations. Thank you all very much for your hard work.

There are a few jobs still to do. A few members said they cannot make Saturdays but wished to help, so a Working Party will be arranged on a Sunday afternoon to finish the outstanding works and enable them to join in. Hopefully, those that were busy, away, or playing matches on Saturday 23rd will be able to help out at the next one and enjoy an afternoon tea and a cake at the end.

Lost property

A gents brown leather jacket with a bottle of aftershave in the pocket was left in the bar in September. If it is yours, or you know whose it is, please collect it from the bar as soon as possible.